Written by Aarohi Narain
The Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum offers an unexpectedly intimate look at the writer’s life and legacy. It’s located in the Shiomi Nawate area of Matsue’s historic quarter.
What to expect at the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum
Directed by Bon Koizumi, Hearn’s great-grandson, the museum traces how this British-born writer of Greek and Irish descent settled in Japan, married Setsu Koizumi — the daughter of a Matsue samurai — and became a Japanese citizen in 1896.
What followed was an illustrious literary career that forever changed the trajectory of English literature about Japan.
Exhibition highlights include atmospheric audio retellings of Hearn’s ghost stories, insightful displays on how women — especially, but not limited to, his wife Setsu — influenced his work and acted as cultural informants, and a showcase of his complete body of writing that goes far beyond Kwaidan, offering a fuller picture of his literary contributions.
The museum also includes a stairwell exhibition of family photos, a multi-purpose space for lectures and workshops, and a small museum shop. Keep in mind that no photos are allowed, except in the library space.
Highlights
The library upstairs offers a cozy space where you can sit down and leaf through Hearn’s complete oeuvre. It’s easy to lose track of time exploring the ripple effects of his work, read by figures like Albert Einstein and Claude Lévi-Strauss.
Even if you arrive skeptical of Hearn’s reputation — sometimes criticized for exoticizing Japan — the museum adds depth and context to his writing and ideas.
Our verdict? It’s a must-see while in Matsue.
Opening hours
The museum is open year-round, with hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission 5:30 p.m.) between April and September, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.) between October and March. Note that the museum closes on select days throughout the year for maintenance.
Tickets
Admission fees are ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children. A combined ticket for adults costs ¥800 and includes access to the adjacent building, Lafcadio Hearn’s former residence.
How to get there
We recommend the scenic route — take the Horikawa River Cruise from Matsue Castle and alight at the first stop. From there, it’s a short walk to the museum.
Children: ¥300
